ARTIST FEATURE: Anne Pomel

I’m Anne. I’m from west of France, I’ve studied fashion and graphic design in Paris. After a few internships in the fashion industry, I’ve decided to settle down as a freelance illustrator. I’m currently based near Paris but will be traveling to new horizons very soon.

What was it like working in the fashion industry? Why did you switch over to illustration?

So interesting. As I’ve worked in different field in the fashion industry (children’s wear, textile design and accessories) I’ve learnt a lot. I think it can be very stressful and sometimes unfortunately not so creative. No one can design a whole collection by themself, not even a whole outfit. It’s a team job really. Someone will create a print, someone else will pick the buttons or the shape of a sleeve. So it can be a bit frustrating sometimes. But the creative part, as small as it is, is the best part. I really loved designing children’s clothes.The process is not that different from women design but there’s all those cute things added, like sparkles, animal-shaped accessories, or fun prints. I had the chance to work on a fashion show with kids. It’s like being invited to a huge birthday party (with a bit of extra stress)!

I didn’t really switched to illustration. I was an illustrator before I studied fashion. After I finished my internships in the fashion industry I decided to go back to that job. I like to work as a freelance, I think it’s way more creative even if it’s also more complicated. And I’m planning on designing my own clothing line in the future.

How did you get started in the arts?

I’ve always wanted to do something creative as far as can remember!

Tell us a bit about your work process. What medium/s do you work in?

I’ve been working mostly with Photoshop for years but I’ve been really into coloured pencils lately. I think it gives very fluid lines and my drawings are way more spontaneous.

You studied both Fashion Design and Graphic Design. Did you prefer one to the other? How important to believe it is for aspiring artists to study formally?

I don’t think I can chose… I’ve learned a lot in both fields but it’s very different. Fashion studies are definitely more competitive. I don’t aspiring artists necessarily need to study arts… there’s many way to learn and succeed, you need to be rigorous and focused on your work and most importantly very curious. And lucky too!

How would you describe your illustrations/style to someone who couldn’t see them?

Lots of girls, snakes, and plants! There’s many references to childhood and fashion. I quote movies and music sometimes. I’d say my style is funny and poetic. It can be a bit melancholic too.

Oh! And I also do a lot of repeating prints.

What inspires you?

I would say anything: music, painting, travel, people, books…I’m really into movies. I love Wes Anderson, Xavier Dolan, David Lynch…and Adventure Time! Design inspires me too, I’m fascinated by ceramics. I’d really love to learn how to do that someday! Fashion of course: These days I’m into Korean brands such as Low Classic and Cres E. Dim. And Instagram is a huge inspiration, I think it’s a great way for creative people to share and display their art. But It’s also very time consuming for me!

What’s one item on your bucket list?

I’d really like to create my own brand someday. And to travel, a lot!

What’s something that very few people know about you?

I sneeze when I eat dark chocolate.

Tell us about “The Land of Go.”

The Land of Go is my visual travel diary. I started it when I spent three months in Portland last fall. It’s not very active right now, as I’m not traveling, but it will be soon! (The title is a song from April March.)

Sophie Pellegrini is the Co-Founder and Artistic & Creative Director of Ramona Magazine for Girls. She is a 25-year-old photographer and wilderness therapy field guide in Colorado. She loves crafting, playing acoustic guitar, 90s music, the smell of summer, making lists, a good nap, cuddly animals, and the cold side of the pillow. Follow Sophie on her website and on Instagram.